Uniformed Enforcement Officer
As increased litter and dog fouling patrols get underway in the Dover district from today (18 October), Dover District Council (DDC) has launched a promotional campaign highlighting the penalty fines that can be given to anyone caught dropping litter, throwing litter from a vehicle, or refusing to clear up after their dog.
Dropping litter and failing to clear up after your dog have been criminal offences for over 25 years with a fixed penalty notice set at £100 reduced to £75 if paid within ten days in our District. If a fixed penalty notice is left unpaid it can lead to prosecution and a much higher penalty.
Now, following recent changes to the law, anyone caught throwing litter from a vehicle can also generate a £75 penalty notice for the registered keeper regardless of who deposited the litter from the vehicle involved. This penalty doubles to £150 if not paid within 28 days, and if it remains unpaid can result in recovery agents being instructed to recover debts. Roadside litter costs the UK millions to clear up each year causing road closures and delays to traffic.
DDC has teamed up with Waste Investigation Support and Enforcement Limited (WISE) to increase litter and dog-fouling patrols alongside its in-house team.
Officers will always be in uniform, have a DDC identification badge and a signed warrant card. They will patrol the district and serve Fixed Penalty Notices on the Council’s behalf to offenders of littering and dog fouling in line with our policies and procedures.
In addition to enforcement the DDC is promoting the introduction of the free “Litter Lotto” mobile phone app that rewards spot prizes and the chance to win a monthly jackpot - just for putting litter in the bin! To enter, simply use the app to take a picture of litter as you place it in the bin. Each time you bin litter it’s another entry! Further information available at www.litterlotto.com
Cllr Martin Bates, cabinet member for regulatory services said: “Residents tell us that litter and dog fouling are top of their list of concerns in public spaces. By increasing resources to catch offenders, we’re sending a message to the small minority of people who litter and don’t clear up after their dogs. We encourage residents to support us and report problem areas on our website.”
Enforcement officers have a supply of cigarette butt pouches and dog poo bags to give out to anyone who asks for one while they’re out and about (while stocks last).
To report litter or dog fouling:
For further information about the new service and the responsibilities and powers these officers have visit www.dover.gov.uk/environmentalcrime
The videos can be viewed at DDC’s Youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/doverdc
- ‘Don’t be the few who spoil the view’ (litter from vehicle penalty fine):
- What did this cost? (litter penalty fine)
- ‘How to Spoil a view’ (dog fouling penalty fine)
- ‘Don’t end up in the doghouse!’ (dog bag dispensing stations)
Posted on 18 October 2021